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🧠 New Mental Health Resources, Buildings Around CalTrain Stations, and RWC’s Vote on Military Equipment

🧠 New Mental Health Resources, Buildings Around CalTrain Stations, and RWC’s Vote on Military Equipment

Plus, the best sourdough in the Bay Area and your Halloween lineup

Greg Kemper
October 30, 2025

Good morning neighbors!

Welcome to this week’s Palo Alto Scoop!

In this week’s newsletter, learn more about the new mental health resources available to Palo Alto, plus new regulations expanding building capability near Caltrain stations. Plus, we’ve got all the Halloween events in the area & a round up of the best sourdough bread!

Let’s dive in! 👇

In this week’s edition:

🧠 Palo Alto Appoints New Commissioners and Expands County-Wide Mental Health Conversations: Find out what that entails for residents

🥖 Two Local Bakeries Recognized as Among the Best in the Bay for Sourdough

🎃 Family-friendly fun: Halloween events, gardening classes, and more

🧠 Palo Alto Appoints New Commissioners and Expands County-Wide Mental Health Conversations

The Palo Alto City Council has moved to fill key seats on multiple public-service commissions this week, appointing new members to entities such as the Human Relations Commission, Parks & Recreation Commission, and Public Art Commission after a multi-round voting process. At the same time, the county has launched a broader conversation around mental-health services and community engagement, signaling increased focus on behavioral health as a core city-and-county priority.

These developments reflect a dual emphasis on civic governance and social-service innovation in the region. The timing indicates a shift toward bolstering both structural civic leadership and essential health-service frameworks in the community. Read more here.

🏢 New State Law Will Allow 7-to-9-Story Buildings Near Caltrain Stations

A recently signed state law will allow significantly taller residential buildings near transit hubs in California, including up to seven stories within a quarter-mile of Caltrain stations, up to nine stories right adjacent to stations under specified conditions. The reform, aimed at accelerating housing density and transit-oriented development, overrides certain local zoning restrictions and may reshape planning approaches in cities across the Bay Area.

Local governments now face a dual challenge: welcoming increased housing capacity while addressing neighborhood character, transit capacity, and infrastructure impacts. The legislation could prove pivotal in the region’s efforts to tackle housing shortages and commuter-traffic pressures. Read more here.

🚔 Redwood City to Vote on Military Equipment Oversight Policy

The Redwood City Council is scheduled to vote on re-approving the city’s military equipment use policy, a requirement under state law for law enforcement agencies. The review will assess whether the policy aligns with standards meant to protect public safety, civil rights, and transparency. Stakeholders are watching closely, as the decision touches on how law enforcement tools are governed in the community. The outcome could influence similar oversight efforts across the region. Read more here.

🥖 Little Sky Bakery and GK Pastry and Sourdough Earn Recognition for Best Sourdough in Bay Area

Congratulations to Little Sky Bakery and GK Pastry and Sourdough, both recently named among the top sourdough bakeries in the Bay Area by the San Francisco Chronicle! These local favorites have won loyal followings for their handcrafted, naturally leavened loaves and artisanal pastries. GK is celebrated for its crusty boules and perfectly balanced tang, while Little Sky delights with small-batch breads and creative twists like fig-walnut sourdough and chocolate babka. Both bakeries bring exceptional craftsmanship to the community; GK also supplies several local restaurants and Little Sky is a hit at farmers markets and pop-up events. Whether you’re a devoted bread lover or just discovering artisan sourdough, both spots are well worth a visit.

Click here to feature your business in front of over 10,000 local residents!

Zola in Palo Alto

Photo: Zola

Zola in Palo Alto features fresh takes on classic French dishes such as bouillabaisse, parisian gnocchi, or beek bourguignon. Zola offers a “casual-elegant” atmosphere — the dining room is stylish yet approachable, with an adjacent bar (BarZola) offering house speciality cocktails in addition to the classics. For those looking for a refined yet not overly formal restaurant in Palo Alto, Zola provides a well-executed menu, a strong wine and cocktail program, and a space that accommodates both date-night dinners and evenings out with friends. Its recognition in the Michelin Guide as a recommended restaurant highlights its quality.

Read more here.

🧵 Halloween FrankenBag Workshop | Cubberley Community Center | Palo Alto | 10/30 | more
Create a spooky upcycled tote just in time for trick-or-treating.

🎭 Halloween Costume Party | The Armory | Redwood City | 10/30 | more
Dress up and dance the night away at this festive downtown celebration.

🎃 Trunk or Treat | Fair Oaks Community Center | Redwood City | 10/30 | more
Family-friendly trick-or-treating with decorated cars and festive treats.

🎃 Boo-tiful Downtown Halloween | Downtown | Los Altos | 10/31 | More
Stroll through downtown Los Altos for candy, games, and Halloween fun.

💀 Halloween Party: Dia de los Muertos | Angelica’s | Redwood City | 10/31 | More
Celebrate Halloween and Día de los Muertos with themed cocktails, music, and décor.

👻 Halloween at Ghostwood | Ghostwood | Redwood City | 10/31 | More
Enjoy Halloween cocktails and spooky vibes in this unique Redwood City spot.

🍸 Halloween Spook-easy | Alhambra Irish House | Redwood City | 10/31 | More
A magical speakeasy-style event with drinks, entertainment, and Halloween fun.

🎃 Halloween at the Hub | The Hub | Redwood City | 10/31 | More
Family-friendly Halloween activities with games, crafts, and treats.

🐾 Yappy Hour | Dogma Fit | Los Altos | 10/31 | More
Bring your dog for a festive evening of socializing, treats, and fun.

🎪 Zoppé Italian Family Circus | Main Library Parking Lot | Redwood City | 11/1–11/30 | More
A month-long circus spectacular with acrobatics, comedy, and family-friendly entertainment.

🧵 Patagonia Repair Pop-Up | Patagonia | Palo Alto | 11/6 | More
Bring your gear to this repair event and learn tips to extend the life of your Patagonia products.

🎭 Annie | Lucie Stern Theater | Palo Alto | November 7-23 | More
Palo Alto Players continues its 95th season with the Broadway classic Annie!